Bank, Shore, Or Bed Protection Patents (Class 405/15)
  • Patent number: 6305883
    Abstract: A cage frame for shore protection and so on with improves durability, the construction/execution on site can be easily performed, can easily create the best environment for organism to live and can be effectively used as a gathering place for fish. The hollow framing is formed by joining many plane frames with many openings on each and then filled with stones and/or broken stones. Each plane frame is formed by cast iron with joint structures integrally formed therewith. The joint structures are joined together to form the hollow framing on site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Tetsuya Ozaki
  • Patent number: 6296924
    Abstract: A cell confinement structure for confinement of material having a plurality of elongated plastic strips in a side by side relationship bonded together in spaced-apart, limited areas where the plurality of strips are capable of being stretched in width to form a unitary web of cells. The strips forming walls of the cells with at least one of the cell walls having a plurality of apertures in which each diameter is between about 3 mm and 17 mm. Preferably, each of the cell walls has a plurality of apertures with the total area of the apertures in the cell walls being between 19% and 28% of cell wall area. The sell structure may include tendons passing through the walls of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M. Bach
  • Patent number: 6283673
    Abstract: A system for protecting a coastal land from a rise of the surface of the sea, wherein offshore dams and caissons containing pump-turbines are provided in such a manner that the caissons and dams extend in parallel with the coastline of the land. Partition dams are provided so as to connect the offshore dams and the coastline together to make ponds. The water level of each pond is kept lower than a preset level, which is several meters lower than an average level of the surface of the ocean, by an operation of the pump-turbines and avoiding not only the submergence of the coastal land due to the rise in the sea level caused by global warming, but also expanding the area of offshore land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: The Earth Science Laboratory Corp.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Kinno
  • Patent number: 6276301
    Abstract: A fish habitat package built up of old tire casings baled together to form a series of chambers into which fish can enter to provide habitat for those fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Les H. Pederson
  • Publication number: 20010014255
    Abstract: The system for attaching a reinforcing band to a wall (2) of a reinforced supporting structure comprises a winding support (10) for the reinforcing band and two staples (11a, 11b) for fixing the winding support (10) to the wall (2), which are formed from a loop of non-corrodible material. The placement device comprises a template for shaping the loop and forming the two staples (11a, 11b), two pairs of collars, mounted on the template and intended for laterally holding the two staples (11a, 11b) respectively along the template, and two spacers, each extending between the collars of one pair to ensure a parallel arrangement between the two branches of each staple (11a, 11b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventor: Pierre Orsat
  • Publication number: 20010009088
    Abstract: The modular wall includes a sheet pile wall 12 with support brackets 20 that provide cantilever support to a facade of interlocking rows of blocks 30-34. The support member 20 includes vertical members that extend from the top of the sheet piling part way down the length of the sheet piling. Base members 24 extend from the vertical members and are supported by angled braces 22. Horizontally extending key members rest on the base members and are affixed thereto. The key members provide a key for connecting to a slot of a first row of modular blocks. The modular blocks are stabilized by geogrid 28 that is captured in the key and slot interconnection of the modular blocks and is affixed to the sheet piling 12 or embedded in concrete fill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Applicant: INTERSIL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jesse E. Grossman
  • Patent number: 6247873
    Abstract: Erosion or collapse of a stream or a river is prevented by mooring timber, stones, or the like with a longitudinal cable (steel cable) (1). Barrier-like members (3) such as timber and stones moored by using the longitudinal cable (1) are arranged substantially stepwise or parallel to each other on the ground near the eroded or collapsed place to prevent mountain landslides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Tomio Fukui
  • Publication number: 20010002968
    Abstract: A detention filter system for the temporary accumulation and storage of storm water runoff is disclosed for limiting the rate of runoff from a developed tract of land to no more than that which was naturally discharged from the same tract when in its prior undeveloped state. The system includes one or more conventional rip rap filled gabion boxes which may be aligned end-to-end along the edge of a developed parcel of real estate so that storm water can run off into the boxes and temporarily accumulate therein. The system also includes a sheet of porous fabric or perforated sheet, attached to and covering a surface of the gabion boxes to restrict the rate of flow of storm water runoff flowing through the boxes and the sheet to a downstream storm drain, storm sewer or stream. The sheet may be formed of two or more layers of the porous fabric or perforated sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Inventor: CHARLES E. BLACK
  • Patent number: 6171021
    Abstract: A method and apparatus involving forming a transition area along the bed of a body of water in which the natural water depth is altered, and operating a vessel in the course of passage through the transition area such that the vessel speed instantaneously changes from supercritical speed to subcritical speed while substantially avoiding the critical speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Mats H. Feldtmann
  • Patent number: 6171022
    Abstract: The method for engaging a geosynthetic or erosion mat including a soil engaging layer to underlying ground includes the steps of feeding a length of twine out over the soil engaging layer of the mat, and pressing a loop of the twine into the ground at intermittent points therealong. If required, an enhancing step of compressing the ground over the pressed in twine may be incorporated into the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen W. Decker
  • Patent number: 6171984
    Abstract: This invention relates to generally to geosynthetic materials which can be used for earthen reinforcement, and more particularly to a novel geosynthetic material exhibiting less strain under an initial tensile load then presently available geosynthetic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Paulson, Mikhail M. Girgis, Jeffrey A. Neubauer, Narasimhan Raghupathi
  • Patent number: 6164867
    Abstract: An erosion retardation structure to reduce erosion of an underlying granular base at a coastal property, the structure including a plurality of generally rigid material panels, each having a first end, second end, first face and second face, and structured to be coupled to an adjacently disposed panes at generally their corresponding first and second ends so as to define a wall section wherein a first face of a first panel and a second face of a second panel are positioned relative to one another so as to define a front face of the wall section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Frederick S. Sherwin
  • Patent number: 6158922
    Abstract: A system for combating coastal erosion comprised of a sufficient number of sand trapping assemblies that include a conical member and a hexagonal base. The conical member has upper and lower ends with respective openings for receiving and discharging the sand brought by the water currents. Contiguous assemblies are disposed so that the entire bottom surface is covered. The hexagonal base interlocks the different assemblies. If necessary, one way stakes can be used to further secure the assemblies to the bottom of the body of water being protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Jorge L. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 6139955
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber strand useful in composites and geosynthetics which includes a plurality of fibers having applied to at least a portion of surfaces thereof a base layer of a base coating composition and thereupon a principal layer of an aqueous coating composition different from the base coating composition, the aqueous coating composition including a blend of (1) a halogenated vinyl polymer and (2) an elastomeric polymer, the blend being essentially free of a monoolefinic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: PPG Industris Ohio, Inc.
    Inventor: Mikhail M. Girgis
  • Patent number: 6106195
    Abstract: A plurality of bottom structure members for controlling a tidal oscillation flow are disposed on a bottom in a sea area, thereby creating a new tidal residual current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Toeishokou Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Komatsu, Shinichiro Yano
  • Patent number: 6071411
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of stabilizing soil and controlling dust from soil. The invention also relates to disposing of unwanted waste waters produced in purifying water. The method of the present invention includes applying waste water containing 0.15% by weight of the salts of NaCl, CaCl.sub.2, MgCl.sub.2 and mixtures thereof to soil to control dust and effect soil stabilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Gerald J. Grott
  • Patent number: 6048139
    Abstract: An arrangement for shoreline construction, maintenance, and protection, and methods for making and using the same wherein wave energy-absorbent pilings are arranged in rows parallel to a shoreline such that a portion of the pilings are exposed above the water body bottom and filled with soil, thereby absorbing and transferring wave energy to the water body bottom, and where aquatic vegetation is provided in the soil in the pilings resulting in a shoreline that is stable, incorporates natural materials and provides a habitat for aquatic life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Murtha Vincent Donovan, III
  • Patent number: 6048133
    Abstract: A method of disposing of fines material includes the step of mixing a slurry containing fines material with a slurry containing coarse material to form a slurry which contains a mixture of fines material and coarse material. The slurry containing the mixture is deposited onto an inclined surface so that liquid can drain from the mixture. The mixture contains a majority of fines material by mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Ipcor NV
    Inventors: John Robin Gilmore Williamson, Charles Stephanus Marais, Matthew Jonathan Joseph Cobbett, Timothy Peter Crossland
  • Patent number: 6004067
    Abstract: A portable, modular fluid-containment system is described which can be assembled anywhere to form a wall or dike for preventing fluids (e.g., water) from escaping from their intended location and for preventing flooding. The system uses individual collapsible modules which can be stacked in rows and columns, as desired. The modules overlap each other and are also interconnected so that a liquid such as water can be used to fill all of the modules to make them more stable and immobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Segment Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis L. Peppard
  • Patent number: 5997213
    Abstract: A ditch check includes a plurality of bodies that are located in two rows with a gap defined between the two rows. An M-shaped anchor has two legs and a central section, with one of the legs being located adjacent to one face of a body in one row and the other leg being located adjacent to one face of a body in the other row, and a central section that is located between the two bodies. Each row can include a plurality of end-to-end bodies which can be in overlapping relationship with each other. A tool for placing the M-shaped anchor into the ground is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventors: Gordon Dennis, Gilbert Barber
  • Patent number: 5980155
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel geosynthetic which in a first embodiment comprises a composite geosynthetic comprising reinforcement material embedded in a drainage material; and in the second embodiment of the invention there is provided an electrically conducting geosynthetic which may be used in isolation or which may, alternatively, form a part of the composite geosynthetic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: University of Newcastle Upon Tyne
    Inventors: Colin John Jones, Kjell Eng
  • Patent number: 5971658
    Abstract: An erosion control system is useful for coastlines, riverbeds, and the like, to protect against erosion caused by a wavefront. The system typically includes an integrated armor layer mounted upon and covering an embankment adjacent the shoreline. The armor layer comprises a plurality of blocks connected in a chainlike configuration by connecting members disposed between neighboring blocks. Each chain is linearly aligned in a direction generally perpendicular to the shore and wavefront, and each chain abuts neighboring chains, but not affixed in any manner thereto. The connecting members have separate elements for absorbing tension and compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: Wasi Tri Pramono, John A. McCorquodale
  • Patent number: 5944443
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for shoreline reclamation which includes utilizing groyne structures including stanchions to which are mounted at least one porous screen and wherein the screen is vertically adjustable as material is deposited during the reclamation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Beach Reclamation, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Benedict
  • Patent number: 5934827
    Abstract: A method of regenerating tidal mud flats which have a degraded or eroding profile includes the steps of ascertaining the ambient tidal range and wave climate of a mud flat to be regenerated and deriving from these data a new, regenerated profile for the mud flat, and depositing densified or dewatered mud or clay on the mud flat to build the new profile. The wave climate, and hence the sedimentary regime, of the mud flat is modified by breakwater or barrier means to render the mud flat receptive to deposition and retentive of the deposited mud or clay to preserve the regenerated profile. The breakwater or barrier means may be an offshore, floating breakwater adapted to suppress high and short-period waves but to permit the passage of low and long-period waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Ravensrodd Consultants Limited
    Inventor: Robert Kirby
  • Patent number: 5927906
    Abstract: A fastener for a cellular confinement system provides a tendon-retaining protrusion for receiving and retaining a reinforcing tendon passing through the cellular walls of the cellular confinement system or over the tops of the cellular walls of the cellular confinement system. The fastener includes a body with an opening configured to be attached to the end of a reinforcing bar for securing the tendon to the ground. Alternatively, the fastener is secured to the tendon so as to transfer forces from the cell wall of the cellular confinement system to the tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Bach, James Buchman, Daniel F. Senf
  • Patent number: 5902071
    Abstract: A system of plastic pipes which are anchored vertically in place along a shoreline by a concrete form that will position the pipes with a specific distance between pipes. Once the pipes are positioned, a concrete cap will be poured to permanently secure the pipes, after which the concrete form can be removed and moved to a new location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Edwin C. Bliss
  • Patent number: 5857805
    Abstract: A method for modifying the flow of water in a channel includes creating a flow modifier by first obtaining a plurality of rigid substantially linear posts and obtaining at least one prefabricated brace configured for connection to the posts. The prefabricated brace is configured with two spaced apart rigid anchor ends, one of which has at least two spaced apart anchor sites. A plurality of rigid cross beams connect the anchor ends, with the cross beams and the anchor ends all substantially coplanar. A plurality of vertically extending vanes may also be arrayed across the prefabricated brace. The method also includes driving at least two of the posts into the channel bed and securely connecting at least one prefabricated brace to the posts at the anchor sites. An agglomeration matrix may be positioned against the prefabricated brace for supporting and accumulating materials which amplify the flow modification effect of the prefabricated brace and matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventor: Derrald H. Chappell
  • Patent number: 5849645
    Abstract: A reinforced composite matting is disclosed, to provide a foundation for the development of vegetation to stabilize the channel surface, as a cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to rip rap or concrete channel lining. The reinforced composite matting is formed of a bottom netting, a cuspated netting having ridges and troughs extending across the width of the cuspated netting, with the troughs substantially adacent to the bottom netting, and a top netting substantially adacent to the ridges of the cuspated netting. A fiber matrix, preferably of strands of coconut fibers is disbursed between the bottom netting and the cuspated netting, and the bottom netting, fiber matrix, cuspated netting and top netting are secured together, preferably with thread, to form the reinforced composite matting of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: North American Green, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy L. Lancaster
  • Patent number: 5823710
    Abstract: The invention is an engineered wood structure especially well suited to act as large woody debris in stream and lake rehabilitation projects. It is made using a number of small logs, typically about six to ten, assembled into a cylindrical or frustroconical structure. Normally, spaced apart opposing log pairs are joined by spars mortised into them at each end. Adjacent logs may additionally be doweled together at their ends. The spars are sufficiently displaced longitudinally so that they do not interfere spatially with each other although they may be in contact. Radial protrusions may be placed at one end or along the structure to simulate the root wad or limbs of a fallen tree and to provide anchoring when the structure is in place. A central cavity may be filled with rocks to reduce buoyancy and provide further anchoring. The structure can be field assembled in any location using only hand tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Silverbrook Limited
    Inventor: James H. Dooley
  • Patent number: 5807024
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for shoreline reclamation which includes the deployment of groyne structures including supporting stanchions to which are mounted at least one porous and pliable screen material wherein the screen is formed of biodegradable materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Beach Reclamation, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Benedict
  • Patent number: 5786281
    Abstract: An environmentally sound vegetation growth-enhancing erosion control blanket is formed from an elongated rectangular excelsior/wood wool mat. The mat is held together with adhesive and a surface pattern is embossed therein. When the finished blanket is placed atop the ground, the blanket serves to shield the earth area from wind and water erosion forces, without the presence of the plastic netting often used in the prior art. As the ground vegetation grows, it ultimately replaces the blanket which decomposes and furnishes the ground vegetation with a nutritive mulch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: American Excelsior Company
    Inventors: Timothy Prunty, Wendell E. Johnson, deceased, John W. Johnson, legal representative
  • Patent number: 5778622
    Abstract: An earth stabilization structure and methods for making and using thereof are provided. The structure comprises a compressed annular tire wall stack unit encased in a reinforced matrix shell. The structure is preferably octagonal and cross-sectioned and preferably have a hollow core. The structure has welding elements for fixedly attaching adjacent structures together in the form of weld elements from any adjacent structures to be welded together. A stabilization wall is also provided by rigidly attaching a plurality obstructors together using the weld elements. The method involves providing a mold having a central pipe, compacting a plurality of tire sidewalls to provide a compacted annular tire wall stack unit (bundle), placing the bundle over the pipe, placing weld elements at the bottom of the mold, placing concrete in the mold, permitting the concrete to solidify, and removing the resultant structure from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: DeLoy T. Baker
  • Patent number: 5735982
    Abstract: An environmentally sound vegetation growth-enhancing erosion control blanket is formed from an elongated rectangular excelsior/wood wool mat. The mat is held together with adhesive and a surface pattern is embossed therein. When the finished blanket is placed atop the ground, the blanket serves to shield the earth area from wind and water erosion forces, without the presence of the plastic netting often used in the prior art. As the ground vegetation grows, it ultimately replaces the blanket which decomposes and furnishes the ground vegetation with a nutritive mulch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: American Excelsior Company
    Inventors: Timothy Prunty, Wendell E. Johnson, deceased, by John W. Johnson, legal representative
  • Patent number: 5720573
    Abstract: A method for shoreline reclamation which includes utilizing groyne structures including stanchions to which are mounted at least one porous screen and wherein the screen is vertically adjustable as material is deposited during the reclamation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Beach Reclamation, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Benedict, L. Clay Spencer, Thomas J. Beggs, IV
  • Patent number: 5678955
    Abstract: A method and system for modifying the flow of water in a channel includes creating a flow modifier by first obtaining a plurality of rigid substantially linear posts and obtaining at least one brace configured for connection to the posts. The brace is configured with two spaced apart rigid anchor ends, one of which has at least two spaced apart anchor sites. A plurality of rigid cross beams connect the anchor ends, with the cross beams and the anchor ends all substantially coplanar. The method also includes driving at least two of the posts into the channel bed and securely connecting at least one brace to the posts at the anchor sites. An agglomeration matrix may be positioned against the brace for supporting and accumulating materials which amplify the flow modification effect of the brace and matrix. The flow modifier modifies the flow of water by creating a weir, by diverting the flow, by reinforcing the channel bank, by creating a favorable habitat for plant life, or by some combination of these effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Derrald H. Chappell
  • Patent number: 5660505
    Abstract: A device and method for anchoring a silt barrier curtain intermediate primary barrier supports to enhance erosion control. The device has interlocking members protruding from a base designed to clamp onto the lower edge of a silt curtain. The device and the silt curtain locked therein are then buried during barrier construction to a predetermined depth. Indicia on the exterior of the device allow easy verification of proper burial depth. The device may be used on cyclone style fences, or used in aquatic environments to prevent silt or floating debris from intruding into a protected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Enviro-Guard, L.L.C.
    Inventor: J. Brooks Emory, III
  • Patent number: 5655851
    Abstract: A shoreline erosion control structure comprises a longitudinally extending upright wall portion (10) for installation across the path of oncoming sea waves (44) and a floor portion (12) extending laterally from the seaward side of said wall and slanting downwardly so as to cause oncoming waves to travel up the length of said floor facing and said wall. Preferably, the structure is made up of a plurality of contiguous units. The invention also includes a method of preventing soil erosion using the structure. The structure is provided with grounding means (22) which extends downwardly from the base of said wall portion (10) below the floor portion and which can be driven into the ground to keep the structure in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Ng Siew Chor
  • Patent number: 5645371
    Abstract: A bulkhead system to resist waterfront wave forces and reduce or eliminate erosion damage to waterfront property and structures. The bulkhead system is comprised of one or more rows of spaced nominally vertical piles, the piles extending into and above a ground surface in a self-supporting configuration. A stack of annular units, each in the form of a vehicle tire filled with concrete or other ballast material, is positioned on each of a plurality of the piles. Adjacent piles are positioned to have a pile-to-pile spacing to accommodate adjacent stacks of annular units and to form a substantially continuous wall or bulkhead. Intercoupling means, such as cabling, is also provided to couple adjacent groupings of piles so that wave forces incident on one or more piles are distributed to other piles on a shared basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Raffaele Marzullo
  • Patent number: 5641243
    Abstract: A pile assembly includes a plurality of rows of ground-standing piles disposed on the original inclined plane along a slope and at least one connecting bar for connecting the ground-standing piles disposed on the same row. U-shaped suspension piles or L-shaped suspension piles having a hooked end can be disposed on planned locations of the inclined plane and are interlocked by interlocking bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Yu-Lien Hsu
  • Patent number: 5641244
    Abstract: The invention relates to a revetment and a revetment system and method for the protection of the banks of water courses, canals, flowing and still water bodies or the like. The revetment consists of chambers with a net-like encasement on all sides, filled with particulate substrate material and bound together into a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Lothar Bestmann
  • Patent number: 5636939
    Abstract: A shoreline erosion-reversing system and method provides seawards and landwards "quiet" zones which cooperate to promote landwards soil deposition and to mitigate seawards soil scouring. In accord therewith, a series of one or more upstanding, vertically-movable and negatively-buoyant apertured sections are arrayed on a shoreline to be protected. Each section is comprised by a hydrodynamic fence subassembly having a lattice of slats fastened in spaced-apart relation to top and bottom horizontal support members and by a pile subassembly having at least one pile member, which subassemblies cooperate to allow the hydrodynamic fence subassembly to move in a binding-free manner relative to the pile subassembly. The top and bottom horizontal members may be singly and/or doubly arranged and may be implemented with either flexible or rigid members. The slats of the lattice of slats may be singly, doubly and/or triply arranged. End assemblies are disclosed for terminating flexible horizontal support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Gregory B. Brown
  • Patent number: 5636938
    Abstract: An improved gabion system comprising at least one separator wall to partition the interior of the gabion wire mesh basket to form a chamber having an outer face and an insert or facing to fill the chamber. The facing may have an intermediate member extending through the mesh to disguise or cover the wire mesh of the outer face. The facing may serve as a surface for mounting solidifying facing materials as well as solid face covers. The facing provides support to the outer face and provides an aesthetically improved appearance to the outer face. The insert may also provide a support along the outer face for various purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: George Ragazzo
  • Patent number: 5626658
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for treating cementitious containing materials including asphalt with a binding composition containing a protein-polysaccharide complex to improve resistance to erosion caused by environmental forces and physical wear and to enhance internal adhesion of the compositions. The use of the binding compositions in asphalt paving compositions reduces the amount of bitumen or asphalt emulsion necessary to produce asphalt paving compositions while increasing the wear resistance of the asphalt paving composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Blaise McArdle
  • Patent number: 5622448
    Abstract: A ditch check for controlling erosion or sediment run-off in a ditch or swale is configured as a generally planar panel. The panel has suitable water-conducting passages to permit and is given holes to insert anchor stakes to anchor the panel to the ground. The panel is preferably made substantially of a polymer or resinous moldable material. The panel is given such formed side edges that adjacent panels can overlap or enmesh one another where they meet to close a gap therebetween. It is optional that the panel be stackable with other like panels, for greater convenience during non-use periods, as while being transported and/or during storage. Given the foregoing, the panel is meant to replace straw bales as ditch checks because the panel is very much lighter, is non-absorbent and inexpensive, and is indefinitely reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Panel Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Baum, Leo R. Baum
  • Patent number: 5599136
    Abstract: A three dimensional topography stabilization structure system of preformed, notched and pinned plastic plank to provide a means to form preplanned contours of earth medium cells adjacent to and at the land and water interface; and on land. The system creates contoured slopes above and below water at zero degree to forty five degrees. Within the cells are grown terrestrial vegetation, emergent aquatic vegetation and associated micro flora. The necessary environment of inclined planes, elevations and orientation is created to provide the nourishment balance of solar insolation, water cover, atmosphere and nutrient compulsory to sustain the flora and fauna specifically planned for the area. In addition said plank may be grooved and provided with splines to retain impervious sheet membrane at contours to form and retain selected earth medium filled channels for controlled fluid flow and basins for fluid retention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Douglas A. Wilke
  • Patent number: 5595458
    Abstract: A water permeable erosion control bag having a flexible mesh wall with openings through which water can flow. Discrete hammer-milled wood fragments within the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Grabhorn, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard Grabhorn
  • Patent number: 5584600
    Abstract: A ground cover for controlling soil erosion and retarding vegetation growth on sloped ground includes a plurality of spaced apart water control baffles and a series of thin, sheet-like membranes between pairs of the water control baffles. The ground cover is secured to the ground by a plurality of ground engaging fasteners. The water control baffles preferably include a vertical leg having a plurality of apertures therethrough, and a ground engaging leg, which is substantially horizontal to the ground, for receiving the ground engaging fasteners. The membranes allow water to flow through the membrane while preventing erosion of the soil underneath the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Christopher D. Langdon
  • Patent number: 5584599
    Abstract: A modular barrier system and component bags are provided characterized by the component bags being stacked in layers and interconnected to form a retaining wall. Each bag is constructed of a woven tubular sheet that has a rectangular shape when pressed flat. One end of the bag is sealed and the other end is left open to receive sand for filling. Dual elongated straps are bonded to the lower surface of the bag and extend over the side edges. The straps are positioned at 1/5 L, 2/5 L, 1/5 L spacing to be vertically aligned for easy interconnection when the bags are stacked to form the wall. The ends of each strap are folded back to form a loop that receives the strap/loop from a bag in the layer immediately above. The loops also function as handles that allow the bags to be easily lifted and carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Richard D. Knittel
  • Patent number: 5580190
    Abstract: A soil-holding device for holding soil dressing on a slope utilizes a water-permeable net paved on the slope. Also provided are a plurality of rows of ground-standing piles fixed on the slope for fastening the water-permeable net and a plurality of rows of soil-holding nets provided on the water-permeable net and correspondingly supported by the ground-standing piles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignees: Woody Yang, Shin-Tsung Yang, Sheh-Ching Young
    Inventor: Yu-Lien Hsu
  • Patent number: 5575588
    Abstract: A bag-like mat having discrete slits sealed at their peripheral edges is placed flatly over the soil of a slope to be protected. Then, a concrete is placed in the bag-like mat to expand the latter whereupon the slits are spread so as to form openings which is subsequently used for planting seedings or saplings through the openings to vegetate the slope. A slope protection can, therefore, be constructed efficiently at a low cost. By properly selecting the shape, size and arrangement of the slits, the slope protection may have a desired design pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Okanishi Trading Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukichi Nakamura